How Does Pluto Feel About This?

[DaveBj]

But wouldn’t the brown dwarf star have to be close to the nucleus of our system, ie next to the sun?

Not at all. What makes you think that it should be next to the sun?

Astronomers have found that many, if not most, stars are bound in multi-star systems, and in some of those systems the “dancing partners” are at astronomical distances from each other, to coin a bad phrase.

 

[tomarin]

Not at all. What makes you think that it should be next to the sun?

Astronomers have found that many, if not most, stars are bound in multi-star systems, and in some of those systems the “dancing partners” are at astronomical distances from each other, to coin a bad phrase.

I guess it depends on what one means by companion star. I assumed a companion implied the two stars were found at the center with the planets revolving around it, but from what you’re saying I guess that isn’t the case.

 

[DaveBj]

I guess it depends on what one means by companion star. I assumed a companion implied the two stars were found at the center with the planets revolving around it, but from what you’re saying I guess that isn’t the case.

Exactly. Companion stars are bound by gravity, not by proximity; gravity acts over very long distances indeed.

Edit: Here’s a Wiki article with MUCH more information

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_system#Multiple_star_systems

 

[ProVobis]

Exactly. Companion stars are bound by gravity, not by proximity; gravity acts over very long distances indeed.

As do entire galaxies, for that matter.

But the universe is still expanding, supposedly.